Philosophy

An introductory examination of primary areas and arguments of philosophy. Topics covered may include, but are not limited to, metaphysics, epistemology, self and personal identity, political philosophy, and philosophy of religion.

This course seeks to provide students with tools to think more critically, read more critically, and argue more effectively. Topics covered may include, but are not limited to, the nature and structure of arguments, deductive and inductive forms of reasoning, ambiguity and vagueness, identification of rhetorical devices and strategies, and identification of logical fallacies.

This course considers the ethical implications of medical practice and research across many healthcare disciplines. Topics include, but are not limited to, reproductive ethics, ethics across the lifespan (infants, children, adolescents, adults and the elderly), psychiatry, end-of-life issues, and public health ethics.

This course examines human responses to, and moral responsibility for, natural and human environments. Early sections of the course examine the roots of environmental crisis and ethical frameworks and concepts for responding to that crisis. It then moves on to apply ethical analysis to a range of issues relating to the environment. Issues covered may include, but are not limited to, climate change, environmental (in)justice, moral obligations to non-human animals, and wilderness preservation.

This course provides an introductory examination of the ethics of war and peace. Through examination of both classical and contemporary resources, this course examines the primary theoretical options in thinking about war and peace, including realism, pacifism, and just war theory. Additional topics covered may include, but are not limited to, torture, terrorism, humanitarian obligations, moral injury after war, just peacemaking, drone warfare, and targeted killing.

This course provides students with opportunities to demonstrate (1) their comprehension of key ethical concepts within the Ethics and Society minor and (2) their ability to apply those concepts through a case study.